The reliability of a dubious map was low, but better maps would cost more money and time to map; and there were no better ones available.
These were the words of Magicians’ Guild’s President, Theo Rakesheer, who was very close to Ainz, so it should be the truth.
Obtaining a map of such a degree was already an unreasonable request, as could be seen from his attitude.
"I understand. Then I shall have copies made and distributed to each Floor Guardian."
"Very good, before that let me explain."
Ainz pointed to the middle area where minute details were inscribed around the area.
"This is Re-Lantier, and here is the Great Tomb of Nazarick."
The finger moved from the middle toward the northeast, near the enormous forest that were the surroundings of Nazarick. This could be ascertained from the terrain.
"Here is the Azellerisia Mountain range, the border between the Kingdom of Re-Estize and the Baharuth Empire. Starting from the southern tip and revolving around the mountain range, this large area is Tove Forest. And between the southern tip of the mountain range and Tove forest is a river that flows into a ladle shaped lake. Ainz pointed to the southern side of the lake.
"This are the Great Wetlands, the location of the Lizardmen’s village."
Confirming Albedo’s nod, Ainz continued to explain.
"The following is from the Magicans’ Guild President’s explanation about the surrounding countries. To the Kingdom’s northwest is an area with a great number of mountain ranges where many races of demi-humans have formed the Confederation of Yagrande. Caution should be taken toward the five, or maybe, seven headed dragon acting as one of the representatives. And to the Kingdom’s southwest is a country known as the Holy Kingdom. It’s marked haphazardly on the map, but the country’s border is protected by a wall, the 10,000 Mile Great Wall. It guards against the Wilderness, where many demi-humans are in constant dispute."
"That’s where Demiurge was sent before."
"That’s right. On the other side of the Wilderness is the Slane Theocracy, a possible enemy we must caution against."
"Is this line the border?"
Albedo used her marble white hand to point at an encircling line.
"Most likely. Truthfully speaking, this border doesn't say much. It’s very rough. Look here, to the Northeast of the Empire lies a number of countries. Together they form the Nations Alliance, they also seem to include demi-human cities. The Southwest of the Empire has many canyons forming a giant array of Stela. Countless caves house a group of humans who raises Wyverns. Their tribes lives right here.”
Summarizing Ainz’ words, this area seems to be similar to Wulingyuan[1], but actual situation wasn’t very clear.
"Wyvern-riders?"
In YGGDRASIL, flying dragons could be summoned by those with the cavalry job who had reached the late thirties levels, and there was no similar evidence in this world of riding monsters.
"It’s like this…ordinarily they can be said to be extremely powerful. Nonetheless, for the Great Tomb of Nazarick, they are not so useful for invading… and then below this, to the east of this giant lake — we reach the edge of the map."
Ainz pointed at the table surface beyond the map.
"There seems to be a country here that is called the Dragon King Country."
"Dragon?"
"Correct. It is a country that was created by a powerful dragon in the past. This country’s royalty has also inherited dragon blood… whether it is true or not is doubtful… well, that’s the extent of the map’s explanation."
If it were the world where Ainz went by the name of Satoru Suzuki, this layer of gold plating would probably be a sham. However in this world, the possibility of it being true was much higher.
"Then Ainz-sama, the countries we ought to be alert against are the Slane Theocracy, and the Confederation of Yagrande?"
Ainz folded his arms and let out a "Uhn" noise.
To the degree of talking about countries, and because there currently was no view that could be made due to the lack of intelligence, towards this response Albedo slowly lowered her head.
"Very sorry, this country right now also needs to be an alert factor."
"… Correct. Even if there is no big deal about this country, it is also possible for an alarmingly powerful individual to exist."
The person who used a World-Class item on Shalltear, and the like.
Even if these thoughts were unspoken, it seemed to have been transferred to Albedo.
Ainz then respectively pointed at the areas south and east beyond the map.
"Towards the east there is a city called the Sea City, towards the south there is another city created by the one name Eight Desire King, it’s the city you must be most wary of. Eight Desire King’s City … is a floating city in the desert."
"Floating city?"
"This is merely hearsay, and may not be accurate, but there is a metropolis below the floating city. As if the floating city can generate an unlimited amount of water, the metropolis is entirely surrounded by a magic enchantment, such that people cannot imagine it is in a desert."
Albedo’s eyes turned frosty, and several words were whispered.
"Would you like to have servants carry out some forced reconnaissance?"
"There is no need to take such a risk. Even if the World-Class item users arrived here, before understanding their combat prowess, it is also necessary to confront them with a smile… how is Shalltear’s condition?"
"Regarding the resurrection, physically there is no problem, except…"
"Your speech is hesitant. Is it something that will make me upset?"
"Ah! Extremely sorry for this. Actually mentally she is a little disturbed.”
"… Did the effects of mental dominance still remain? Even with the resurrection after death is it unable to dispel the effect of the World-Class item?"
"No, not like that… because of showing hostility and battling with Ainz-sama, deep down she considered this to be an unforgivable sin."
Ainz was momentarily confused.
That was entirely Ainz’ mistake, Shalltear committed no wrong. She was already told this several times.
"Please forgive my rudeness of objecting to Ainz-sama’s decision."
Ainz nodded towards Albedo who had a sincere expression.
"I think it’s best if there are some punishment."
The fire in Ainza eye sockets darkened, he opened his mouth, but closed it immediately because the person in front of him still had words to say.
"……[Carrot and stick] is a well known idiom. If Ainz-sama were to mete out punishment, then the guilt in Shalltear’s heart will disappear, on the other hand, without punishment the negative feelings in her heart won’t go away."
So it is, it is true that there can’t be reward without punishment, the two must both exist to hold reason.
Regarding the parts though, to what degree to punish and to what degree to forgive, these are all decided by Ainz. If it was the usual, everything would simply be forgiven by Ainz.
On the other hand, even though it’d be slightly hard on Shalltear, but this is a good educative opportunity.
"…..I get it, let’s give Shalltear some punishment."
"That’s right, this way will be best, also please forgive my impudence."
"What are you saying. To propose your viewpoint like earlier is what I need. When I am out of ideas, proposing ideas like you did just now is exactly what you should do for your duty as The Great Tomb of Nazarick’s Floor Guardian Overseer."
"Thank you very much!"
1
Scenic and Historic Interest Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hunan Province, China designated in 1992. It's noted for more than 3,000 quartzite sandstone pillars and peaks across most of the site, many over 200 meters (660 ft) in height, along with many ravines and gorges with attractive streams, pools and waterfalls. It features 40 caves, many with large calcite deposits, and two natural bridges, Xianrenqiao (Bridge of the Immortals) and Tianqiashengkong (Bridge Across the Sky).